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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS JANUARY 2015
26
Vol. 3, Issue 1
Contents 22
IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
8
25
In the News by Ray Ricchi
10 www.stonebridgeranch.com by Sherine George
12
This Month’s Feature by Sherine George
15
Compliance Tips by Nate Russell
16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update by Michael Lesku
19
From Your Neighbor
20
Inside the Ranch by Michael Lesku
22
Your Neighbor by Sherine George
25
Around the Ranch
27 Lifestyle 28
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 26
Pet Page
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2015 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.
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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Sherine George Michael Lesku Ray Ricchi Nate Russell
cover photo Kwik Image
The New Year is here Hard to believe it is 2015 already. I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family and that 2015 will be a great new year for all of us. This year we decided to install lighting and decorations on our six major entrances to celebrate the holiday season. It was something that many homeowners suggested we do, and I hope everyone enjoyed them. On November 20, the board held a special meeting to review our progress and update the Strategic Plan we developed a year ago. Once it is finalized and approved, we will be making that information available to everyone.
November 13, 2014 Board Meeting
The board meeting of November 13 was called to order at 1 p.m. All board members were present. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. No homeowners appeared. The first item of business was to approve the September 25 and October 9 board minutes.
Old Business
The board reviewed additional detail about the use of social media and discussed the resources that would be required to use social media as another form of communication to homeowners. After much discussion, the board decided not to pursue the use of social media.
New Business
The board reviewed and approved the 2015 board meeting schedule. We also approved renovating the monuments at the Custer Road and Stonebridge Drive entrance. A trial use of some perennial plantings in a test situation was also approved. We hope to find a viable alternative to the annual plantings we have been using for color in the Stonebridge entrances. The board then heard a detailed proposal from our irrigation consultants on actions we could take to upgrade our irrigation system infrastructure to conserve more water. We approved upgrading the infrastructure of the top ten areas that consume the most water. We also reviewed and approved the 2015 Editorial Calendar. That is the document we use to determine the content of our monthly magazine and the dates certain articles are scheduled to appear. The board approved a renewal of our various insurance policies.
Executive Session
The board reviewed and approved the collections report for delinquent accounts. We reviewed and made appropriate decisions on seven homeowner violations that were presented to the board for resolution. We received an update on legal issues from the association’s attorney. We also approved some changes to the organization chart of the association.
Association Reports For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.
The board reviewed and approved the financial reports. We then heard an update of progress on our Strategic Plan and heard reports from all board liaisons on their respective committee activities. The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Professionally managed by Community Management Associates (CMA) 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800 • fax 214.778.0595 Courtesy Patrol 214.794.4945
Association Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Association Staff Michael Lesku—Director of Operations Renee Mooney—Receptionist Laura Parker—Receptionist Candace Rickman—Executive Assistant Nate Russell—Compliance Coordinator Maria Ford—Compliance Coordinator Rony Peterson—Compliance Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Sherine George—Communications Coordinator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors Jon Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Richard MacFee—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary Norm Counts—Director Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director Stonebridge Ranch News is the only authorized and official monthly publication for the residents of the Stonebridge Ranch community, with news and calendar of community events endorsed by the Stonebridge Ranch Association and its members. Stonebridge Ranch News is published for the residents of Stonebridge Ranch for informational purposes only. The Stonebridge Ranch Association does not guarantee any work or claims made by the advertisers and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. Stonebridge Ranch does not in any way endorse or support, nor does it take any credit or responsibility for the services, paid or volunteer, nor statements made in articles or letters published herein not endorsed by the Association or the group decision of the Board of Directors.
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In the news District 4 Town Hall Meeting
District 4 Town Hall Meeting Crosspoint Church, 2101 S. Stonebridge Dr. Thursday, January 22 at 7 p.m.
McKinney has had a remarkable year in 2014. Among the many accolades given to the city, we were named #1 on the Money Magazine Best Places to Live list. As your elected representative to city council, I am inviting you to an important town hall meeting as we discuss what our future holds as the best town in America. It has been my honor to serve the residents of McKinney for seven years as your twice-elected city council member and representing homeowners in Stonebridge Ranch. During my tenure, it has been my priority to be accessible, approachable and active for you as my constituents, to make sure your voices are heard and directly represented in our city.
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On Thursday, January 22, 2015, the City of McKinney is hosting a town hall meeting to be held in Crosspoint Church at 7 p.m. You are personally invited and encouraged to attend. While this meeting is certainly open to the entire city, the discussion is geared specifically toward the residents in District 4, which includes most of Stonebridge Ranch. The city began this series of town hall events within the neighborhoods to promote our priority of transparency. This event will be an open town hall meeting, where any and every question will be answered. We have set up this format to be interactive, as we want to hear from you. During the town hall, members of your city council will address issues specific to the Stonebridge Ranch Community, such as: • The water supply and the drought • The city tax base • The upcoming general election in May • Even rumors and information that has spread through the community grapevine. We also will provide a behind-the-scenes look into city
In the news planning, insight into the city’s tax base and important commercial developments that will impact the local economy. We will talk about what’s going on in developments like Adriatica, how the Methodist McKinney Hospital expansion affects you, and what we can expect with the future widening of Virginia Parkway. If you attend, you will hear what’s going on with water conservation, and how the water restrictions are set for our region. Are your taxes going up? And possibly meet your next representatives on city council? Term limits mean two new representatives will be elected to city council in May 2015 including me, your District 4 representative who represents a majority of Stonebridge Ranch. As you come to this meeting you’ll have the opportunity to meet candidates who will be asking for your vote, running to represent you in making decisions for the future of our city. It’s important for you to be involved in city elections. Meetings like this town hall can help you become a more educated voter by meeting those potential candidates. I urge you to help me activate the entire Stonebridge Ranch community—tell your friends and neighbors. As the largest master-planned housing community in the city, you are a vital component of the McKinney residential voice. We hope to see you, as well as all our neighbors, at this event! If you have specific questions that need answers, send them to me in advance so we can address them with the level of detail you want and deserve. Send them to rricchi@ mckinneytexas.org. I am looking forward to seeing you there! Sincerely,
Ray Ricchi, McKinney City Council, District 4 F
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www.stonebrI dgeranch.com How To Pay Assessments Online by Sherine George As your plans for 2015 take shape, it is time to start making arrangements to pay your annual assessment. By now you have already received your statement in the mail or your e-statement in your inbox. The simplest and most convenient way to pay your dues is just a few clicks away on our website, www.stonebridgeranch.com.
Confirmation
Log on to your account
Questions?
If you don’t have an online account, this is the time to get one. Once you sign up for an online account, it can take up to 24 hours for your account to be approved and processed. All homeowners wishing to make online payments must have an online account and must log in to their account in order to access the Pay Assessments Page.
Pay Assessments Page
The Pay Assessments Page can be found once you log in either under the Homeowner Toolbox or the Homeowner Connection drop down menu. Payments can be made online by electronic check for free (e-check) or credit card (fees apply). When paying by credit card, a new window will open for the PayLease payment service.
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Once you make your assessment payment online, you will be directed to a page confirming that you have attempted to make a payment. Be sure to remember that your annual assessment of $740 is due January 1 every year. If you ever have any questions, we are more than happy to guide you through this process. Please call the Stonebridge Ranch office during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 214.733.5800 for assistance.
www.stonebrIdgeranch.com
Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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thIs month’ s feature Board Of Directors Open Positions Two Positions Open for Board Directors by Sherine George
The Stonebridge Ranch Community will be electing two (2) Directors, each for a term of three (3) years, to serve on the board of directors at the Annual Membership Meeting on March 5, 2015. Members of the community who meet the qualifications are encouraged to submit the Board Candidate Questionnaire and a short biography to the association office by January 23, 2015. Biographical information about each candidate will be published in the March edition of the Stonebridge Ranch Magazine and mailed to all homeowners prior to the annual meeting.
Being a Board Member is an Important Commitment
Board members are entrusted with the care, protection and enhancement of the property values of others. Members of the board have a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty to the Stonebridge Ranch Community. Exercising the skill and care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances and that of undivided loyalty and honesty requires avoiding decisions or actions against the interests of the association for his/her own benefit or the benefit of a third person.
Considerations for a Potential Board Member
A board director will need to be well informed about the business of the association, which will require becoming familiar with the association governing documents and reports. Directors must be able to attend monthly board meetings, the annual membership meeting and any other special meetings that may be scheduled throughout the year. Monthly board meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Directors need to not only attend board meetings, but participate in them as well. This includes spending time reviewing meeting-related information and reports prior to the meeting and, from time to time, may require visual inspections of properties within the association. Directors also serve as liaisons to board-appointed committees. Board liaisons attend scheduled committee meetings and serve as a conduit between the board of directors and the committee. Board directors must also be of strong character, with the ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality. A strong business background is highly desirable. Board
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thIs month’ s feature
directors must have a working computer, Internet access and a working e-mail account and must be able to communicate via e-mail and be able to open and use Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets and PDF documents.
Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire
The questionnaire can be found on page 14 in this
edition of the Stonebridge Ranch Magazine and online in the Documents & Forms Library of the association website, www. stonebridgeranch.com. Please include a 500 words or less summary of your professional and volunteer experience in Microsoft Word, the number of years you have been a resident of Stonebridge Ranch and any other information about yourself you feel may be of interest to homeowners when making their decision on whom to vote for. All board director candidates will also be asked to answer questions relating to the primary function of the board of directors, what areas candidates feel the board of directors need to address in 2015 and what areas candidates feel they can make the greatest contribution to the community. All completed Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaires and biographies should be submitted no later that 5 p.m. on Friday, January 23, emailed to mlesku@ cmamanagement.com. Thank you in advance to those homeowners that have chosen to serve the community. F
Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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thIs month’ s feature
2015 ANNUAL ELECTIONS CANDIDATE FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS QUESTIONNAIRE Name: ______________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________ (home)
______________ (work)
_______________ (cell)
Email: _______________________________________________________________ ***Please provide your answers on a separate sheet*** *Submissions should be emailed in Microsoft Word format and limited to 500 words or less* 1. Briefly introduce yourself. Include background (business, association or other experience), the number of years you have been a resident, etc. 2. Are you in compliance with all Association Covenants, Regulations, and Rules? Do you currently have a past due Association account balance? Do you currently have any pending Association violations? If not in compliance or if any past due balances or violations, please explain. 3. What do you feel is the primary function of the Board of Directors of the Association? 4. Specifically, which areas do you feel need the Board of Director’s attention? 5. Are you a resident owner in Stonebridge Ranch? 6. In which areas do you feel you could make the greatest contribution: architectural control, capital improvements, repair/replacement, finance, maintenance landscape & grounds, communications, amenities or social events? Please email this form with your response no later than January 23rd, 2015 to mlesku@cmamanagement.com. The Board would like to communicate to every candidate the expected time commitment when serving on the Board. Typically, the Board meets during the workday once a month for a minimum of 4 hours and each Board Member is assigned as a liaison to one of the Board Committees that may meet once or twice a month for 1 to 2 hours. In addition, the candidate should have a working computer, internet access, email account, and be proficient in general business application programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and PDF documents. I acknowledge that by filing as a candidate for the Board of Directors, if elected, I will accept the responsibilities as described in the Bylaws, the time commitment and computer requirements as noted above. I am aware that the information provided on this questionnaire will be available to the membership. ____________________________________ Signature
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___________________ Date
complIance tI ps Happy New Year, Stonebridge Ranch! by Nate Russell As we look forward to another year here in Stonebridge, it is time to start laying out your projects for the New Year. What projects do you have planned this year? There are many jobs around the house which do not require approval from the Modifications Committee. Listed below are a few common projects which do not require submittal: • Interior work on your house • Attic ventilations or rooftop appendages • Basketball goals • Birdhouses • Dog houses and dog runs • House numbers • Exterior Lighting • Mailboxes • Painting your house or fence the same color • Satellite dishes • Screen or storm doors • Shutters • Signs • Trampolines • Gardens Each one of these items has guidelines that need to be
followed. For instance all trampolines must be set back a minimum of ten feet from your property line. These guidelines are put in place to protect the property values for both you and your neighbor. If you wish to deviate from the guidelines then you will need to submit a modification application. One of the most common areas of confusion is landscaping changes. Because landscaping is such a vast topic, the guidelines for landscaping can not possibly address every landscape change scenario. Due to this, a modification application will need to be submitted if your project is not specifically mentioned in the guidelines. Some of the most common landscaping changes requiring approval are removal/ replacement of shrubs or trees and flowerbed extensions. One of the things that makes Stonebridge Ranch so special is its beautiful landscaping and we want to preserve that. If you ever question whether a project needs to be submitted for approval, or if you just want to go over your application, feel free to come by the office or give us a call. Thank you for your compliance! Rony Peterson, Maria Ford, Nate Russell, Joyce Martin CMA Compliance Coordinators Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc. F
Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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january 7, 14, 21, & 28
coffee talk 8:30 a.m. (CR)
january 13 january 17
bingo 7 p.m. (CR) Women’s Self Defense 1 p.m. (sidekicks martial arts studio)
january 22 Town Hall meeting 7 p.m. (crosspoint church) travel club meeting 9 a.m. (cr) january 27 january 27 singles of Stonebridge 7 p.m. (CR) january 28 Coffee TASting 8:30 a.m. (CR)
MARC Meeting 8 a.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby (CR) 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Back (CR)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby (CR) 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Back (CR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Bac
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) Bingo, 7 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby (CR) 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Back (CR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Ba
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Bac
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR) Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) Singles of Stonebridge, 7-8 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
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9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Social Committee (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
MARC Meeting 8 a.m. (BR) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby (CR) 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Back (CR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Coffee Tasting, 8: 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ 6:30-7:30 pm—Fit4Baby 7:30-8:30 pm—Body Bac
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR) Strides (BTC)
nis Camps, my (BTC) y (CR) ck (CR)
0 a.m. (CR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Communications Committee Meeting, 9-10 a.m. (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
r Strides (BTC)
nis Camps, my (BTC) y (CR) ack (CR)
0 a.m. (CR)
e Meeting, 9 a.m. Strides (BTC)
nis Camps, my (BTC) y (CR) ck (CR)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) Town Hall Meeting, District 4, 7 p.m. (Crosspoint Church)
Women’s Self Defense Class, 1 p.m. (Sidekicks Martial Arts Studio)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
:30 a.m. (CR) Strides (BTC)
nis Camps, my (BTC) y (CR) ck (CR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Stonebridge Ranch HOA News News x January x September 2015 2013
17
fInancIal update
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from your neIghbor Culinary Classics From Your Neighbor
Laura Parker from Woodland Bridge Village wants to share her Texas Sheet Cake recipe with you. There may be several versions of this classic dessert, but she says her family’s version is the best one! Take a look and decide for yourself.
Texas Sheet Cake
cool and don’t cover with plastic wrap or foil until totally cool. Serve with ice cream and enjoy! With the leftovers—if there are any—I cut the cake into squares and freeze. ”James and I moved to Woodland Bridge Village in December 2006. We relocated from Sherman, Texas, just 30 miles north of McKinney. Our daughter, Rachel, and her husband Chad live in Dallas, and our other daughter Caroline also lives in Dallas in the Uptown area. James and I love our small village of 30 homes filled with families, empty nesters and retirees. Since our neighborhood is small, we enjoy several social events each year. James and I are also Texas natives so it’s been fun meeting friends and neighbors from different states. We are active at Christ Fellowship Church on Orchid off Eldorado. I play piano in the band about once a month and James serves with the usher team.” -Laura Parker We are working towards a Stonebridge Ranch cookbook. Please join in on the fun and share your favorite recipe with us—and the story behind it! Did you serve it at your wedding? Is it a family recipe? Maybe you discovered it while on vacation? We want to know! Please email your recipe to sgeorge@cmamanagement.com and we will try to include it in an upcoming issue. F
2 sticks butter 1 c. water 1/4 c. Hershey’s cocoa powder 2 c. flour 2 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1 c. sour cream 1 tsp. baking soda Combine butter, water and cocoa in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and lower heat. Simmer for two minutes. Add flour, sugar and salt. Blend well. Remove from heat and beat in sour cream, eggs and soda. Pour batter into a greased, floured jellyroll pan. Bake at 375º for 20 minutes. Don’t overbake! Frosting 1 stick butter 1/4 c. Hershey’s cocoa powder 6 tbs. milk (I use Half and Half. This is almost 1/4 cup.) 4-1/4 c. powdered sugar 1 tbs. vanilla 1 c. chopped nuts In the same pan you used for the batter—no need to wash—combine butter, cocoa and milk. Bring to a boil and simmer for one minute. Watch it carefully. If it starts to separate, remove from heat quickly! Add powdered sugar, vanilla and nuts. Mix quickly and spread on warm cake. Let Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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InsId e the ranch Why Should I Pay My Assessments On Time by Michael Lesku It’s that time of the year again. Your 2015 annual assessment statement has arrived in the mail with a due date of January 1, 2015. The board of directors voted this year not to increase the assessment fee. It is the same amount as your 2014 assessment ($740). For those of you who might be inclined to put it off or say “I’m just not paying it,” please think again. It can get very expensive to put off payment of your annual assessment. All Stonebridge Ranch homeowners accepted this obligation when they purchased their homes in return for services and amenities shared by all Stonebridge Ranch residents. Unfortunately, there are always a few homeowners who do not pay their assessments. The association carries approximately $72,221.04 worth of bad debt in the annual operating budget for property owners who fail to fulfill their annual financial obligation to the association. The goal of this communication is to educate all Stonebridge Ranch residents on the association’s procedure for handling delinquent accounts and the costs associated with the various steps. In doing so, the goal is for the association to have fewer delinquent accounts and reduce the cost to manage this process. Assessment fees are due January 1, 2015 and are considered delinquent at the end of the business day on January 30, 2015. So what happens if you have not paid your assessment by that date? There is a standard procedure for addressing delinquent assessments which is addressed below: 1. On February 2, a Delinquent Letter is sent to the property owner from the management company informing the owner that the assessments are now delinquent. In addition, a late charge is added to your account and monthly interest charges on the delinquent assessment balance begin to accrue. 2. On March 2, a Default Letter is sent to the property owner from the management company informing the owner that their homeowner account is in default and will be turned over to legal for collection. In addition, a late charge is added to your account and monthly interest charges continue to accrue. 3. On April 1, a Demand Letter is sent from a collection attorney. 4. On May 1, a Lien Notice is then sent from a collection attorney.
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InsIde the ranch
5. On June 1, the collection attorney sends a Foreclosure Notice. So, you can see by June 1, just 5 months from when the annual assessment of $740 was due, you now owe the association significantly more. It does not stop there—more notices and fees continue to be added to your account. Please do not let this happen to you! If you are having difficulty, please contact the association office about payment plan options as soon as you know you will not be able to pay the assessment by the due date. This process does not happen overnight, but it does take less than a year. Shown below are the costs associated with each of the steps in the order in which they occur. None of these fees represent a profit for the association. These are hard costs charged by the collection attorney and the management company for their time and expenses. Add them all together and you will more than double your assessment. Interest at the rate of 10% is added each month to the delinquent assessment amount in addition to the following charges: Late Charge …………………………………………….$25 Delinquent Letter………………………………………$15 Default Letter (certified) ……………………………...$25 Demand Letter ……………………………..…….…….$195 Notice of Lien …………………………….………..…...$235 Foreclosure Actions……………………….…………....$1,083 For those needing a payment plan, contact the CMA Corporate office for assistance at 972.943.2828 or email Account Services at accountservices@cmamanagement. com. Payments can be mailed to the address on the statement. On-line payment and credit card payments are acceptable. There is also a payment plan available for those who need it. See the association website, www. stonebridgeranch.com, for details. The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association CAN accept your payment at the association office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. F Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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your neIg hbor Resident Spotlight: Ed Cusack by Sherine George How long have you lived in Stonebridge Ranch? In what village do you reside and how did you find your way to the area?
My family moved to Stonebridge Ranch four years ago into the La Cima Community. We moved to Texas five years ago and spent a year in Frisco in The Trails Community. We enjoyed our time there, but wanted to find a “home” and not just a house. After looking at a number of areas in McKinney and Frisco, we felt that Stonebridge Ranch really provides exceptional amenities and has character that can’t be matched by anyone else.
What do you love most about the Stonebridge Ranch community?
Stonebridge Ranch is one the best-kept secrets in how a master-planned community should be developed and maintained. When you look at the history of how this all came alive 26 years ago and how it continues to grow, it is just amazing what Stonebridge Ranch has to offer and yet there has not been an assessment increase in the four years we have been here.
What are your hobbies or special interests?
When we moved to Texas five years ago from Colorado,
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my family’s special interest was to open up Cusack Family Swim School. That dream has come true and we continue to provide lessons in McKinney at Michael Johnson Performance Center. If I am not spending time at the pool you can find me on the pitch playing soccer either in Frisco, McKinney or Allen indoor/outdoor leagues.
Can you share something interesting about yourself that may surprise others? I have been able to visit 49 of the 50 states…Alaska is the last stop!
Why did you decide to volunteer on the Landscape and Grounds (L & G) Committee?
I always had an interest in how associations run their landscaping and groundskeeping programs. It is amazing to see how much actually goes on within this committee, and the foundation that has been built for project plans that encompass everything—fence, monument, community entrance, park, and free space maintenance.
Why did you decide to volunteer on the Social Committee?
I have participated in a number of community service activities/organizations since I was a kid growing up in the
your neIghbor current experiences within these fields. This has allowed me to share my ideas, thoughts and suggestions with like-minded individuals that have volunteered their time to better the Stonebridge Ranch community.
Is it difficult juggling both committees?
It has been difficult at times, but being a part of these committees that embody such great people is well worth it. (Plus, having a flexible and understanding employer and family helps tremendously.)
How much time and effort is required from a committee member for each committee?
suburbs of Chicago. That evolved into various social chair positions for organizations at Arizona State University, and I have continued to be involved in activities/organizations that give back to the communities that we live and do business in. What better way to do that than to be a part of the organization that provides all of the activities within Stonebridge Ranch!
In what ways are you hoping to help out each of the committees? I have been able to leverage some of my past and
The Social Committee meets at 9 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month. These meetings usually run an hour and a half. The great news is that I am able to leverage going to the Coffee Talk group that meets at 8:30 at the Community Room and get to grab a coffee and talk to fellow Stonebridge Ranch neighbors. The L & G Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30. These meetings have run anywhere from one hour to two-and-ahalf hours, based upon the number of projects that are going on. We have formulated sub-committees for both of these committees that I have participated in, including the Stonebridge Ranch 25th anniversary event last year.
What accomplishments through the L&G Committee are you most proud of? One of the biggest accomplishments with the L&G committee would have to be the building and adoption of
Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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your neIg hbor the Master Plan for Stonebridge Ranch. This has provided a great foundation in which we have been able to make some moves/adds/changes to better the community as a whole.
What accomplishments through the Social Committee are you most proud of?
I would have to say that being a part of the subcommittee that put together the 25th Anniversary Ranch Fest last year was a great experience. We were able to leverage volunteers from the other Stonebridge Ranch committees to provide input and to execute such a wonderful event that we are continuing to do on an annual basis…just on a smaller scale. To have Mayor Loughmiller (fellow Stonebridge Ranch resident) name July 25 as Stonebridge Ranch Day was icing on the cake for this event.
What would you say is the most significant change you›ve seen in Stonebridge Ranch community?
I believe the most significant change that I have seen in the four years we have lived here has actually affected all of Texas. The drought has caused a tremendous strain on everyone and I believe that the Stonebridge Ranch residents have done a phenomenal job in embracing the water restrictions that have been mandated.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my loving wife, Stephanie, for nine years now. We have two daughters, Addison, 7, and Courtney, 5. My wife has always been a competitive swimmer/triathlete and continued her passion into opening Cusack Family Swim School. She has passed this on to our daughters, as they are little fish and will become competitive swimmers themselves.
What are your family’s favorite things to do in the community?
There are a number of things that we enjoy at Stonebridge Ranch. We truly enjoy the Halloween Spooktacular, Christmas Celebration (especially the horse and carriage rides), Easter Extravaganza and, of course, the Beach Club. These are great activities that allow the kids to have a fun time and give us a chance to meet our Stonebridge neighbors.
Is there any wisdom you’d want to pass on to new potential committee members? What would you like them to know?
If you have any interest in being a part of a committee, don’t let a lack of experience in that area keep you from joining. There is a benefit from having members on a committee that have experience in those areas, as well as bringing people in that want to learn and be a part of a committee. They are able to provide a fresh set of eyes and bring new ideas to the table that facilitate a lot of great collaboration within the committee. I knew nothing about landscaping and groundskeeping when I started, so I had a lot of questions. The committee was there to support me as I learned the ropes—teamwork! F
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around the ranch
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“Hope”
Meet Hope. She is a two-year-old female Catahoula leopoard/cattle dog mix and weighs about 45 pounds. She was rescued from a shelter by a Legacy Humane Society foster home just in time to save her life. She is a sweet, loving and loyal family dog that loves playing with her foster sisters and gets along great with them. She enjoys being around people and cuddling. Hope would make a wonderful addition to any home as she is non-destructive inside and out, knows her toys and loves to play with them. Hope would do great with an active family or a home with another pet to pal around with. She is housetrained, but needs a yard to run in. She is current on all of her vaccinations. Please consider being her forever family! If you are interested in adopting this sweet girl, then please fill out an adoption application at: http://www. collincountyhumanesociety.org/ adoption-application.html. F 2 6 www.stonebridgeranch.com
lIfestyle McKinney Ladies Association
MLA’s first meeting of the New Year will be at 7 p.m., Monday, January 12, at Guitar Sanctuary, 6633 Virginia Parkway in McKinney. The public is most welcome! MLA’s community service outreach in January benefits the Love Life Foundation, which works to expose the plight of abused children in our community by promoting awareness in our neighbors, family and friends, encouraging their generosity and inspiring them to become involved. The foundation also works to break the cycle of child abuse by promoting and supporting those agencies that provide valuable aid, refuge and hope to these innocent children. MLA is dedicated to supporting the children and families of our community through special events and fundraising efforts organized by MLA. Each month, MLA gathers for food, friendship and fellowship while supporting a different local charity. For meeting details or more information about this women’s service organization, please visit www.McKinneyLadies.org.
McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, come join us for fun, information and friendship at our monthly Coffee Meeting. Every month we have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. For more information on Newcomers, visit www. mckinneynewcomers.com We are happy to present Jeremy Turner, General Manager of Texas Family Fitness. Jeremy will show us some examples of exercises age-appropriate and gender-specific that can be done at home. He will also include information on what programs are available at the club for women. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 20, in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway in McKinney. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m. F Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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socIal scene Bingo Night Looking for an exciting way to meet new friends? Join us on Tuesday night, January 13, from 7 to 9 p.m for an evening of Bingo and prizes in the Community Room located at the Stonebridge Ranch Beach and Tennis Club. Light snacks and dessert will be served. You are also invited to bring your own beverage of choice! Seating is limited to the first 40 who sign up by emailing David Wiest, Lifestyle Director at dwiest@cmamanagement.com. This is an adult only event and there is no charge for Stonebridge Ranch residents.
Coffee Talk Every Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Community Room (next to the Beach Club entrance) New to Stonebridge? This is a great place to get your questions answered. Interested in meeting new people? Coffee Talk is the place to go to find others with common interests and for general conversation. Our regulars are a casual bunch that range from parents with preschoolers to those that are enjoying the golden years. Come socialize with your Stonebridge neighbors. See you on Wednesday mornings! Starbucks coffee and water are provided.
Coffee Tasting at Coffee Talk 8:30-9:30 a.m. Community room (next to The Beach Club) Please join us on January 28, for a special event. We will be sampling different types of coffee. Did you know that coffee, like wine, has different flavor profiles and are distinctly different from one region to the next? Stop by and see if you can taste the difference between them. Sweets and water will also be provided.
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socIal scene Stonebridge Ranch Half Marathon It’s Time to GET HEALTHY! Please join us on Saturday, February 21, 7:30 a.m., for the Stonebridge Ranch Half Marathon! Have you got your health goal planned yet for 2015? Need some motivation to get in shape? Then sign up to Run the Ranch! Join us this February for the Stonebridge Ranch Half Marathon, Half Marathon 2-person relay and the 5K. We have added a relay this year so you can bring a friend and race as a team! Get your friends and family involved and sign up today. All half marathon and half marathon relay participants get an extra large finisher medal!
Registration is only $70 for the half marathon, $100 for the half marathon relay team and $25 for the 5K. Stonebridge Ranch residents get a $10 discount on the half marathon (use code SBRESIDENTHALF) and $5 discount on the 5K (use code SBRESIDENT5K). Register at http:// www.playtri.com/sbrhalf. If volunteering is more your style, we will put you on the course! The best race day “cheering” locations are on the course. Please email info@laytri.com to volunteer.
Stonebridge Ranch Apparel Show your community pride! Stonebridge Ranch t-shirts (and more) are now available for purchase. Choose from a variety of apparel including sport shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, denim buttonups, visors and baseball caps. The merchandise is available in a selection of colors and you can even pick the color of the SB logo, in either of our official Stonebridge Ranch colors: royal blue and white. Please visit http:// tinyurl.com/SBtees and show us how much you love living in Stonebridge Ranch. Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2015
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socIal scene Women’s Self Defense Class Since violence against women does not discriminate against age, class or race, it is important that all women, no matter how young or old, are taught the basic means to defend themselves. Women’s self-defense offers possibilities for both reacting to and preventing violent situations. It gives women both physical and critical tools to respond to potentially harmful and life-threatening encounters. The seminar will cover situations including home security, car jacking awareness, rape prevention, family protection, situational awareness, fundamental striking and ground defense. Self defense techniques will be taught, then attendees will be able to utilize their new skills on Black Belt Instructors who will be fully geared. When: January 17 Time: 1-3 p.m. Where: Sidekicks Martial Arts Fee: No charge for this class Who: First 30 Stonebridge residents to sign up by emailing Sidekicks Martial Arts at mckinney@sidekickskarate.com
Select Tennis Academy The Select Tennis Academy welcomes our new Director of Adult Tennis, Eric Jones. Eric is originally from Washington D.C. and grew up most of his life in Colorado. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado where he was a member of the tennis team. He also attended the Tennis Technology program at Tyler Junior College under Steve Smith. Eric’s professional experience includes Head Tennis Professional at the Las Vegas Hilton and Gleneagles Country Club. Additionally, he served as Director of Tennis at Las Colinas Country Club, Weston Hills Country Club in South Florida and most recently as the Regional Tennis Director for Life Time Athletic and Tennis. Eric enjoys his free time with family, friends and playing golf. Eric is married to Lori, a teacher at Prince of Peace Catholic School and has an 11-year-old son, Carson. Eric will be offering a wide variety of programs for Stonebridge Ranch adults of all ages and levels. F
Upcoming February Events 5 New Homeowner Welcome Party 10 Bingo
21 Stonebridge Half Marathon 24 Travel Club 24 Stonebridge Singles Planning Meeting 28 Adult Big Bass Tournament Coffee Talk every Wednesday
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